Shallow Breathing

Shallow Breathing: Introduction

Shallow breathing can be a symptom of a variety of mild to serious disorders, diseases or conditions. Shallow breathing is also sometimes called hypopnea and can result from infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, airway obstruction and other abnormal processes. Shallow breathing can also be a normal in some people or occur during a normal condition, such as during late pregnancy.

Shallow breathing can occur in any age group or population. Shallow breathing can result from a relatively mild condition that is easy to resolve, such as wearing restrictive clothing around the abdomen. Shallow breathing can accompany a moderate condition, such as hyperventilation or an anxiety attack.

Depending on the cause, shallow breathing can be short-term and disappear quickly, such as when shallow breathing occurs during hyperventilation. Shallow breathing can also occur in sudden, severe episodes, such as shallow breathing that happens with some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Shallow breathing can also be chronic and ongoing over a long period of time, such as when it is due to COPD or lung cancer.

Shallow breathing often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Other common symptoms include shortness of breath. Complications of shallow breathing can include low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the body. The underlying disorder, disease or condition can also cause complications. For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms of shallow breathing.

Diagnosing shallow breathing and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination. This includes listening with a stethoscope to the sounds that the lungs make during breathing. Certain lung sounds point to some underlying causes of shallow breathing. For example, wheezing may indicate asthma, and a bubbling or crackling sound (rales, crackles) may point to congestive heart failure or pneumonia.

A noninvasive test called a pulse oximetry is generally performed. This involves clipping a painless device to the fingertip, which can measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. An arterial blood gas test is a blood test that measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as a number of other important markers of effective breathing, such as acid-base balance.

Making a diagnosis also includes performing a variety of other tests to help to diagnose potential underlying diseases, conditions or disorders. Depending on the suspected cause, tests can include additional blood tests, culture and sensitivity tests, pulmonary function tests, EKG, and imaging tests, such as chest X-ray, CT scan, nuclear scans, and MRI.

A diagnosis of shallow breathing and its cause can easily be delayed or missed because shallow breathing may be mild or intermittent and for other reasons. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of shallow breathing.

Treatment of shallow breathing involves diagnosing and treating the underlying disease, disorder or condition that is causing it. Supplemental oxygen is used if the shallow breathing results in low levels of oxygen in the blood. Some conditions can be easily and successfully treated and cured, while others may require more intensive treatment and may not have an optimal prognosis. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of shallow breathing. ...more »

Shallow Breathing: Symptoms

Shallow breathing can occur along with a decreased number of breathes, below about eight breathes per minute for an adult. This is called hypopnea and can be a symptom of a very serious condition, including impending respiratory arrest.

Shallow breathing combined with rapid breathing, more that about 16 breaths per minute for an adult, is called tachypnea. ...more symptoms »

Shallow Breathing: Treatments

Treatment plans for shallow breathing are individualized depending on the underlying cause, the presence of coexisting diseases, the age and medical history of the patient, and other factors. Treatment generally involves a multifaceted plan that addresses the cause, decreases the risk of developing serious complications, and helps a person to breathe ...more treatments »

Shallow Breathing: Misdiagnosis

Diagnosing shallow breathing and its cause may be delayed or missed because in some cases, shallow breathing may not be severe enough for a person to seek medical care. In other cases, a person may be unaware of shallow breathing, such as in sleep apnea.

Shallow breathing accompanied by a low or high number of breathes can be a sign of a serious condition and ...more misdiagnosis »

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